North Wake News

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Water Resources (DWR) has opened the call for proposals targeting flood reduction and resiliency in key river basins across the state. This initiative follows a $5 million allocation from the NC Flood Resiliency Blueprint, which is managed by DEQ’s Division of Mitigation Services.

The DWR is seeking proposals for flood mitigation projects such as water retention, floodplain restoration, or nature-based solutions in several river basins including Cape Fear, French Broad, Lumber, Neuse, Tar-Pamlico, and White Oak. These grants are available to local government units like counties and cities. Partnerships with non-governmental organizations are encouraged. Applications will be accepted until June 30.

Priority consideration will be given to shovel-ready projects that promise significant flood reduction or resiliency benefits. The grant can cover up to 66.67% of construction costs while grantees need to fund the remaining nonfederal costs.

Additionally, DWR invites proposals for stream restoration and water management projects under the spring 2025 application cycle of the Water Resources Development Grant Program. The State & Local Projects program offers cost-sharing grants covering up to 50% of non-federal project costs for eligible projects. There are also specific grants available for stream restoration on agricultural lands through collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).

Typically, $3 million is allocated annually for state and local projects while EQIP projects receive about $2 million each year. Further information about these programs and previously funded initiatives can be accessed on the Water Resources Development Grant program website.

For more details or inquiries regarding these opportunities, interested parties can contact Amin Davis via email at amin.davis@deq.nc.gov.